All classified among the most beautiful villages in France , these hilltop villages , Templars, at the edge of the water …, are all exceptional. Here is our selection of the 10 villages of Aveyron not to be missed.

The Couvertoirade

In the Causses du Larzac, the Templar city of La Couvertoirade tells us 1000 years of history . From the top of its ramparts or the bottom of its lavogne (depression dug by man to accumulate rainwater, for cattle), its heritage reveals the secrets of this tumultuous past.

Listed as a World Heritage Site , it is a must in the region.

On the way to the next stage, don't miss another magnificent Templar village : The Cavalry.

Templar castle of La Couvertoirade

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Peyre

The former village of Peyre is located in the commune of Comprégnac. Along the cliff , as if carved inside, the village inhabits stone houses and cave monuments . Perched village, it offers a breathtaking view of the Milhau viaduct and the waters of the Tarn .

For another view of the viaduct, below the village, at CanoEscapade you can rent canoes, kayaks, paddles ...

Another visit to do: the Maison de la Truffe .

Village of Peyre seen from the Tarn - Source: CanoEscapade

Saint Eulalia d'Olt

Between gorges and Aveyron valleys , this charming medieval town on the banks of the Lot , has a magnificent architectural heritage from all eras: 11th ^{century church} , 15th ^century castle, Renaissance hotel, mill ... It is also a city of arts , since the installation in the village of contemporary artists .

An unusual event takes place every year, on All Saints' Day: an auction for the benefit of the parish, with the first lot, a living hen!

Sainte Eulalie d'Olt Source: FlavienneQ CC BY-SA 4.0

Saint-Come-d'Olt

Ramparts, fortified gates, castle and manor ... The heritage of Saint-Côme-d'Olt is typically medieval , but its origin is Gallo-Roman . It is also a stopover village on the paths of Saint-Jacques de Compostelle , classified as a UNESCO Heritage Site , located at the crossroads of Grands Sites de France . For more information, visit the tourist office website .

Estaing

Estains and its alleys already offer you a very pleasant walk. But the visit of its Saint-Fleuret-d'Estaing church and its castle are particularly remarkable. The Maison de la Vigne will teach you all about the vine and its work.

Every year in July, a historical and religious costumed procession takes place in the village.

To organize your visit, you will find all the practical information on the website of the tourist office .

Estaing Source: Jean-Pol Grandmont CC BY 3.0

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Conch

Conques conceals a real treasure , one of the five treasures of medieval goldsmithing in Europe and the only one in France . But this is not the only one… Its Sainte-Foy abbey also has a magnificent tympanum and exceptional contemporary stained glass windows . To make sure you don't miss anything, a guided tour is offered by the tourist office .

And to know everything about Soulages stained glass , see our report: the 50 shades of black in Rodez .

Belcastel

Belcastel has an exceptional medieval heritage . In particular: its port, its castle, its church, the ruins of its 5th century fort and its forge house . Discovery trails are organized by the town hall .

Do you want to think of yourself as a knight in the castle of Belcastel ? Here is our report .

Belcastel

Sauveterre-de-Rouergue

In the heart of Aveyron , the bastide of Sauveterre-de-Rouergue is designed on a rectangular plan, around a central square, and its half-timbered houses have been perfectly restored. It was the last English stronghold to give way in Rouergue! It is a lively city and many events take place there. To know the details of the visits and the agenda, consult the website of the town hall .

Nearby you can visit its rose garden .

Sauveterre-de-Rouergue

Najac

Atypical hilltop village, it runs along the cliff on a single street. Its royal fortress alone is worth the detour. But you will also find a beautiful church , a chapel, a medieval gate, old houses ... For visit details, contact the tourist office .

Would you like to visit the surroundings on horseback ? Here are the equestrian centers nearby. A nature base is also at your disposal.

For a more sporty adventure, take to the skies on the via ferrata .

Do not miss the magnificent village of Cordes-sur-ciel .

Najac and its Castle Source: DameBrig CC BY-SA 4.0

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Brousse-le-Chateau

A village, a medieval castle , an oratory and a Roman-style bridge … Its narrow streets are particularly pleasant to walk. Located in the Grands Causses Natural Park , this village offers many activities and tours. To find out more, it's here .

Brousse-le-Château - Source: Pierre Ponchel CC BY SA 3.0

Do you want to discover the beautiful villages of Aveyron differently? Try a cheese road trip .

Eight villages perched in the Tarn, do you like it? Check out our report .

Here we are, our loop is over. Of course, many other villages are worth a visit, but the list would be too long ...

Do you want to know more: its geography, its history…? Become unbeatable on the Tarn Aveyron ...

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Article written by Stéphanie Tempier for the Guide du Tarn Aveyron.

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